Mississippi Gun Laws: Concealed Carry, Open Carry and Buying a Gun

Yes. 'A license under this section is not required for a loaded or unloaded pistol or revolver' carried on the person in a sheath, belt holster or shoulder holster, or in a purse, handbag, satchel, other similar bag, briefcase or fully enclosed case, as long as the person is not engaged in criminal activity other than a misdemeanor traffic offense, is not otherwise barred from having a gun under state or federal law, and is not in a place listed in § 45-9-101(13). This subsection does not state its own minimum age; separately, a person under 18 may not possess a handgun except in listed situations such as hunting, target shooting or with an adult's permission on that adult's property (§ 97-37-14).

Mississippi firearm license (license to carry stun guns, concealed pistols or revolvers), issued by the Department of Public Safety. The statute directs that a license be issued to applicants who meet the listed requirements (shall-issue). Age: 21 or older, or 18 to 20 if a member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, including National Guard or Reserve. Fee: 'a nonrefundable license fee of Eighty Dollars ($80.00)'; renewal $40. Valid 'for a period of five (5) years from the date of issuance.' The basic license has no training requirement. An optional enhanced endorsement (§ 97-37-7(2)) requires 'an instructional course in the safe handling and use of firearms' from a DPS-certified instructor (or qualifying military/law-enforcement training) and lets holders carry in more of the places listed in § 45-9-101(13).

Allowed without a license. The concealed-weapons law defines 'concealed' as 'hidden or obscured from common observation' and says it does not include a weapon carried in a sheath, belt holster or shoulder holster that is wholly or partially visible, or in a visible scabbard or case. The places listed in § 45-9-101(13) still apply, and persons under 18 may not possess handguns except as allowed by § 97-37-14.

It is unlawful to 'sell, give or lend to any minor under eighteen (18) years of age' (or, knowingly, to an intoxicated person) any deadly weapon, other weapon the carrying of which concealed is prohibited, or pistol cartridge; penalty up to $1,000 and/or up to one year in county jail. Possession of a handgun by a person under 18 is an act of delinquency except for listed activities (safety courses, target shooting, competitions, licensed hunting, adult-permitted possession on the adult's property, lawful self-defense at home). The state rule applies to private transfers as well as dealers.

Mississippi has no state law that requires a background check, permit or license for private (non-dealer) firearm sales. It is a felony to knowingly solicit a dealer or private seller to make an illegal sale, or to give a seller materially false information about the legality of a sale (Honesty in Purchasing Firearms Act), and a misdemeanor to knowingly sell, give or lend a deadly weapon (or other weapon whose concealed carry is prohibited) or pistol cartridges to a minor under 18 or an intoxicated person.

Mississippi has no state law that sets a waiting period between buying a firearm and taking delivery.

Mississippi has no state law that sets up extreme risk protection orders (red flag orders). Its protection orders under the Protection from Domestic Abuse Law require proof of abuse by a family or household member or a person in a dating relationship.

Mississippi has no state law that bans assault weapons or limits magazine capacity. Making, possessing or using a machine gun conversion device without federal authorization is a felony (up to 10 years and/or $10,000 for a first offense).

'It shall not be a violation of this section for any person over the age of eighteen (18) to carry a firearm or deadly weapon concealed in whole or in part within the confines of his own home or his place of business, or any real property associated with his home or business or within any motor vehicle.' No license is needed for this.

Mississippi honors all other states' licenses: 'Mississippi recognizes valid, unrevoked and unexpired license to carry stun guns, concealed pistols, or revolvers issued in other states.' DPS may also sign written reciprocity agreements with states that require one; the DPS page lists Alabama.

A license does not authorize carrying in: places of nuisance; police, sheriff or highway patrol stations; detention facilities, prisons or jails; courthouses and courtrooms (a judge may still carry); polling places; meetings of a governing body; meetings of the Legislature or its committees; school, college or professional athletic events not related to firearms; the part of a place licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises drinking that is primarily devoted to dispensing drinks; elementary and secondary school facilities; junior college, community college, college or university facilities (except for authorized firearms activities); inside the passenger terminal of an airport (except encased guns being checked); churches or other places of worship (subject to § 45-9-171); places where federal law bars carrying; and any place where the person in control posts a notice that 'carrying of a pistol or revolver is prohibited' readable from ten feet. Holders of the enhanced endorsement may carry in many of these places (not nuisance places, police stations, jails, or courtrooms during proceedings).

Mississippi has no state law that requires serial numbers on, or bans, homemade or unserialized firearms or firearm kits.